A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Blue Ridge for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Merida or Blue Ridge?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Blue Ridge, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Merida

Merida is a colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Merida and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Blue Ridge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Merida than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Merida is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Merida is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Merida different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Blue Ridge and Merida. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Blue Ridge?

Merida is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Merida. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is the Food Better in Merida or Blue Ridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Blue Ridge.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Blue Ridge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is Merida or Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Merida has a large number of nightlife venues. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Merida or Blue Ridge Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Merida. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Blue Ridge?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Merida and Blue Ridge.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

Blue Ridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Is Merida or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Blue Ridge. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

Is Merida or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

Is Merida or Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Blue Ridge are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Is Merida or Blue Ridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Merida is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Merida has some public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Merida or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

Merida is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Merida is very walkable. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Merida?

How long in Merida or Blue Ridge?

In either Merida or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than Merida because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-5 days is enough time in Blue Ridge.

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Merida. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Blue Ridge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Blue Ridge if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Merida.

One day in Merida or Blue Ridge?

With museums and nightlife around the traditional city of Merida, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, one day is sufficent for most.

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Blue Ridge?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Merida, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Blue Ridge?

Merida, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Blue Ridge?

Merida is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Blue Ridge is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Blue Ridge, we can see that Blue Ridge is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Merida would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Merida and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Blue Ridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Blue Ridge than you might in Merida.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Blue Ridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Blue Ridge?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 610 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Blue Ridge, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Merida or Blue Ridge?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Merida or Blue Ridge in the Summer?

Both Blue Ridge and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Blue Ridge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Blue Ridge averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Blue Ridge during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

Both Blue Ridge and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Merida is generally a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Blue Ridge. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Blue Ridge. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. Merida is much warmer than Blue Ridge in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Blue Ridge. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

In the spring, Merida is a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Blue Ridge averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the spring, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Blue Ridge. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 243 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Blue Ridge. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Merida